GARDENERS and volunteers in Calne will be hoping their efforts have paid off in the South West in Bloom competition as judges deliberate after visiting the town on Tuesday, July 11.

Calne has been awarded gold in the last two years of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition, and the team is this year hoping for another top result.

Town councillor and keen gardener, Heather Canfer, showed the judges round last week.

Cllr Canfer said: “I think the visit went well. It’s always difficult to tell how we’ve done because, though the judges say lovely things as you’re walking round, they don’t give anything away!

“The competition is all about community so we wanted to show off what people in the town have been doing.

“We visited Beversbrook Allotments, which are looking the best I’ve ever seen them, and that really engaged the judges. There were also visits to Castlefields, to pupils from Fynamore Primary School, and a big lunch at the town hall to finish.

“The best thing about Calne in Bloom is that it instils pride in the town, encourages volunteers to get involved, and brings the community together. The town looked great and all the groups that took part must be applauded.

“Here’s hoping we get gold again!”

The results of the South West in Bloom competition will be announced in October.